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Cloacitis (vent Gleet)

Infected Cloaca, Cloacitis, Pasting

Cloacitis, commonly referred to as vent gleet, is a localized inflammatory condition of the duck's vent and cloaca. It usually affects female ducks and is often associated with the bird not having access to water to bathe in. The duck's feathers below her vent are often soiled with feces and urates. The feathers may also appear wet and shiny. Upon lifting up the feathers, the duck's skin underneath may be swollen, and will progress to ulcerations covered with a yellow membrane. Usually you can smell a foul odor.

Symptoms

Soiled vent feathers
Decreased egg production
Dull appearance of feathers
Soft (bloated) abdomen
Slimy (often bloody) droppings
Foul odor
Loss of appetite
Inflammation (red, swelling) of the vent area
Straining to defecate

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Clinical signs
  • Physical Exam

Treatment

MethodMethod Summary
Supportive careIsolate the bird from the flock and place in a safe, comfortable, warm location (your own duck "intensive care unit") with easy access to water and food. Limit stress. Call your veterinarian.
Keep the cloaca area clean and free of built-up fecesUsing warm, soapy water, gently clean any fresh or dried build up of feces off of the duck.
Using an oral syringe filled with a saline-solution wound wash, gently rinse out and massage the cloaca area.
Apply an iodine-based antiseptic (Betadine)
Repeat as often as needed for the next 3 or 4 days in order to make sure that the cloaca area is kept clean.
AntibioticsMay be needed

Prevention

  • Provide a small kiddie pool for ducks to swim in that's cleaned daily.
  • Reduce exposure to stressful conditions
  • Feed a balanced diet

References

Risk Factors

  • Lack of access to bathing water

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